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Activity: The Mobile Reuse Debate – Years 7 & 8

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students will examine the increasing volume of mobile phones being used and the exportation of obsolete mobile phones to developing countries. They will consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of this issue and gain an understanding of the impact of mobile phone use and disposal on different communities around the world. Students will interpret data from the MobileMuster program and undertake purposeful investigations when interpreting and analysing the data.

Following this lesson plan is an ideal way for your school to take part in MobileMuster. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change. Take part in the Schools Recycling Right Challenge for Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week. Register your lesson or other activities today!

Learning goals:

Students understand the role and impact of resource use both in Australia and in other countries;

Students begin to understand that resources don’t just ‘go away’ when they are sent somewhere else;

Students will consider how their resource disposal affects other parts of the world;

Apply geographical concepts to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information collected (ACHGS052)

Reflect on their learning to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations, and predict the expected outcomes of their proposal (ACHGS054)

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal: Students begin to understand the impact that disposing of mobile phones has on their community and how sending them to another destination does not make them 'go away'. Students will interpret data from the MobileMuster program and undertake purposeful investigations when interpreting and analysing the data.

Teacher content information: These MobileMuster lessons cover the life cycle of mobile phones and look at issues relating to the materials used in mobile phones, problems associated with re-use and systems for managing and recycling mobile phone waste.

It is hoped that the knowledge gained through the MobileMuster learning modules will increase student’s knowledge, engagement, critical thinking and commitment to living in a sustainable society. MobileMuster Teachers Guide

Student and classroom organisation:

Student Worksheet

The Mobile Reuse Debate

Research: A debate helps us to think through a complex issue and reconsider their opinions. In small groups you will research the topic and consider a range of issues about mobile phone recycling, including:

Lower environmental standards in developing countries

International conventions and legal requirements of exporting

Occupational health and safety issues

The materials value of mobile phones.

Preparing for a debate: Read through your groups research and work out the points they are going to make, provide examples and detailed explanations. Ensure your team pre-empts counter arguments and prepare for rebuttals.